Andersen reaches 5-year deal to stay with Nuggets

DENVER — Chris "Birdman" Andersen has reached a five-year deal to continue his high-flying, shot-blocking act with the Denver Nuggets.

Andersen's attorney, Mark Bryant, confirmed the agreement on Wednesday, saying it could be signed later in the day. The deal was first reported by the Denver Post.

Andersen could make up to $26 million over the lifetime of the contract. It's a backloaded deal to give the Nuggets financial flexibility.

He'll make close to $3.65 million in 2009-10, up from the $998,398 he made last season.

The energetic forward known for his defensive disruption around the basket provided a spark off the bench as the Nuggets' made a run to the Western Conference finals, where they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers.